Ecology
Using Ecology as a theme for a research unit with 5th graders enables the students to seize on the opportunity to explore many topics. With the use of a topic list and many resources, students are able to complete the research process while engaging in many different learning opportunities. Using an infographic and digital commercial really sets the tone for further topic development. The librarian is able to engage the students in many different formats that are available. The students are familiar with the on-line catalog system and may use the opportunity to explore available resources for the completion of their project. This learning opportunity addresses many aspects of the curriculum.It helps kids to think about benchmark activities such as analyzing multiple accounts of the same topic. They are given the opportunity to explore many resources on the same subject matter and determine why different authors may have presented information in different ways.
This research unit allows the librarian to address suitable websites and teach the students to be discriminating consumers of information.Once established, students are able to move on to their own research process and try to organize the overabundance of information.Another teachable moment.So many units of discovery and learning can be tied into the research process least of all is the subject matter. What a timely subject than ecology. Should we address the global warming crises or focus on the nitrogen cycle? There is a little something for everyone in this subject matter and research process. Giving students an opportunity to explore their interests with a guided hand helps students to become better more informed consumers of information and engaged learners.